IRC PUB

BUILDING DRAWINGS CEECKL~ST~ AXCIIITECTURAL DRAWINGS

by Charles S, Strelka

~NALYZED,

DrLvision of Building Research, national Research Council Canada

NRC

BLDG. RES. LIBRARY

CISTI

1
Ottawa, August 1982

BUILDING DRAWINGS CHECKLIST:

by
C.S.

ARCHITECTW DRAWINGS*

Strelka

PREFACE

This drawing checklist provides architects with a convenient tool for the f i n a l review of drawings prepared under t h e i r supervision,
Since this list is a general one, it cannot c l a i m to cover all the special situations which can o.ccur in practice; nevertheless it s h w l d prove helpful as a basic guide. Users o f this checklist are strongly urged, before p u t t i n g it to use, to consult t h e Canadian National Standard CAN 3-H 78.3-M77 Building Drawings (published by and available from the Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale, Ontario) or the Manual on Metric B u i l d i n g Practice (published by and a v a i l a b l e from the Division of Building Research, National Research Council of Canada).

Part I of this checklist, which i& presented in narrative form, serves as a remtnder of various items t o the person checking the drawings. The matter of "crispness of drawing", for example, cannot be overemphasized, particularly in plans drawn at 1:100 scale where c o m p o s i t e wall canstructf,on is envisaged.
Part I1 presents, in tabulated form, a checklist sheet far every sheet in a traditional set of working drawings. These tables can be photocopied and attached to the appropriate drawfngs during the checking stage. Free space f s provided on most of the sheets f o r additional items. Using the tables will thus simplify the process of reprinting check sets and/or establishing permanent records of all verifications and approvals. They can also supplement computer-aided design (CAD) sof mare.

The architect must critically revfew h i s own work before releasing

it to a contractor f o r execution. It is his professional responsibility, an obligation t o his c l i e n t and the key to a good business reputation.

The author wishes to thank Dr. Alan 3. Wilson, of the L i v e r p o o l Folytechnfc, England, for h i s many u s e f u l suggestions on t h e preparation of t h i s paper.

*The original title "BUILDINGS DRAWINGS CHECKLIST" has been changed to distinguish t h i s article from future ones i n the same series.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART Z
CHECKING DIMENSIONS

PAGE

SCALES
SITE PLAN

FOUNDATION PLAN FLOOR PLANS ROOF PLAN

ELEVATIONS LONGITUDINAL AND CROSS-SECTIONS WALL SECTIONS

STAIR DETAILS
MISCELMNFiDUS METAL DETAILS WINDOW DETAILS AND SCHEDULE ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE DOOR AND FRAME SCHEDULE

PART I1
LANDSCAPING PLAN SITE PLAN FOUNDATION P U N FLOOR PIAN ROOF PLAN BUILDING SECTION
WALL, SECTION ELEVATIONS STAIRS AND ELEVATORS WINDOW DETAILS SCHEDULES

P A R T

CBECWNG DIMENSIONS
The dimensioning method should be consistent, meticulous and i n accordance w i t h the I-Jatforial Standards of Canada CAN 3-B 78.3-M77 Building Drawings.

1 . 1

Linear dimensions should be expressed in millimetrres (mm) on building drawings, and in metres (m) on site plans. According to the standard convention 5n drafting, the unit symbol can be omitted if the f o l l m i n g requirements are m e t : a) a note indicating the u n i t used is displayed in a conspicuous place on the drawing sheet; a l l linear dimensions including those for spot levels and land elevation contours are given in one dimensioning u n i t only.
must

bl

For easier readlng, group the d i g i t s in triads on both s i d e s of the decimal marker (e.g., 123 456 789). A l l dimensions shown in metres be taken t o three d e c i m a l places, even when a l l deciraals are zeros (e'g., 1.235, 1 . 0 0 0 ) .
1.2

Area dimensions should be expressed fa:

a)

b)
c)

hectares (ha) for areas on survey plans, plans of subdfvLsfons and l o t plans to three decimals (e,g, , 1.234 h a ) . square metres (m2) for floor areas of rooms, cross-sectton areas of earthworks, large glass panes, etc. , to two decimals ( e . g . ,
1.23 m 2 ) . square rnillimetres (min2) for structural areas and o t h e r sections, bars, e t c . , using no decimals.

Symbola of these units MUST ALWAYS 33 SHOWN on drawings where

appropriate.
1.3

Volume dimnsions should be expressed in:

a) cubic metres (m3) for volumes of earthwork, excavations, concrete, f l u i d s i n large quantities, etc. litres (L) for volumes pertaining to containers of fluids or gases only.

b)

Symbols of these units MUST ALWAYS BE SHOWN on the drawings.

2 .

SCALES
Preferred Scales Commonly Used for Different Types of Drawings*

S rage

T ~ & of Drawing
Sketch and preliminary drawings

Scale

Notes
Scales w i l l vary but it is recommended that preference be given t o those used i n t h e working drawing stage.
Scale will vary according to maps used as reference.

Design

Location drawings

Block plap
Working drawing
S i t e plan

1:zoo0

1: 1000
1: 500

1:200

General location
drawings

1:200 1: 100 1:50

Component range drawings

1 : lO(1

The preferred scale is 1 :SO.

1 : 50
1:20

Assenbly drawings

1 :20 1: 10 1 : 5
1: 10 2: 5

Component deta if drawings

1:l

*Thia t a b l e is r e p r i n t e d from the Canadian National Standard CAM 3-8 78.3-I477 Building Drawings. The recommended range of scales may be extended t o both s i d e s , provided that the new scale can be derived from a recommended scale by multiplying the numerator or denominator by a power of 10.

3.
3.1

SITE PLAN
Write down the narne of the surveyor, the date of the survey and the legal d e s c r i p t i o n of the l a d e (e.g., municipal registered plan number(s)).
Shaw all lot lines, t h e i r lengths and orientatfons, and 911 found or new survey monuments.

3.2

3.3
3.4
3.5

Indicate the lot orleatation by a north arrow.

Show the job bench mark and i t s g e d e s i c d andlor j o b elevation.

Show the location of the soil t e s t b ~ r e h o l e s(refer t o the soil

report)

3.6
3.7

I n d i c a t e sufficient existing grade elevations, including elevations of adjoining municipal lands.

Provide adequate finish grade elevations t o show clearly and precisely how t h e existing s i t e contours are to be refashfoned. S l o p e t h e finished grade away from the building.
Define, using building setbacks, the exact position of a building on a site. (Do not assme that a single dimension is enough to imply that a certain wall is parallel t o a certain l o r line.)
Indicate a l l the public utility l i n e s , such a s storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, gas mains and electrical services (overhead and underground). Show a l l the exgsting electrical and telephone p a l e s and indicate any changes in location. Show the dimensions of all the easement^.

3.8

3.9

3.10 Indicate a l l the street sewer manholes, catch basins, valve

chambers, electric service manholes, etc. and, if possible, their street elevation and/or invert elevations,
3.11 Indicate the connections to existing sewer, water, gas or electrical

service f i n e s ; manholes; catch 'basins; etc.

l i n e s below grade.

Show the depth of a l l

3.12 Dimension a l l parking lots, roadway8 and walks, and c a l l up all curve r a d i i , curbs, t r a f f i c islands and types of paving. Designate

parking for the handicapped where required. 3.13 Indicate the necessary alterations t o c i t y curbs, erc., at roadway entrances or for wheelchair access.
as required

3.14 Clearly distfngulsh, by varying the hatching (or shading), items such as sodded areas, seeded areas and areas far rough grading. Indicate any existing trees and bushes to be protected or removed. Indicate new planting unless a landscaping plan is provided separately.

3.15 Do not end the finish grading at a municipal l o t line. Grading, including walks and roadways, should meet the city st-reet or curb,
3.16 Indicate the location of f l a g p o l e s and free-standing signs,, if any. Refer to d e t a i l .

3.17 Show a l l the exterior landings, steps, railings, etc. foatet-ials used, Remember t o d e t a l l these elements.
3.18 Show any buried gasoline, oil and gas storage tanks.

Indicate the

3-19 Show any existing items to be demolished and removed by the contr.actor. 4.
FOrnATLON PLAN

4 . 1
4.2

Indtcate the foundation walls, piles, beams, and/or footings for a l l bearing walls and columns, Refer to the structural drawings.

Show rhe footings and faundations of building components outside the building proper; egg., exterior stairs, ramps, concrete pads a t entrances

..

4.3
4.4

Refer to the foundation component d e t a i l s , if any.

Note the d e s c r i p t i o n of the floor slab and its finished elevation,

4.5
4.6

Indicate any changes in the floor slab thickness', expansion and perimeter j o i n t s and the p i t s to be provided.

Check the openings required ia the foundation wall or slab against the mechanical and electrical drawings.
Show the b u i l d f n g section and wall eectfon lines.
Indicate the unexcavated areas.

4 . 7
4 . 8

5 .
5.1

FLOOR PLANS

Check the structural. drawings to ensure that a11 p o s t s andlor columns are indicated in the architectural drawings.
Check against the mecMnical add electrleal drawings to ensure that a l l duct, vent and other openings are i n d i c a t e d in the architectural d'rawings

5 . 2

5.3

Indicate all built-in furnishings on the drawings. Items such as slnks, bathtubs, shrwers, refrigerators, kitchen ranges, counters and shelving must be shown.

5-4
5.5

Indicate t h e line of upper cupboards above the counters. Indicate by dotted lines a l l furnishings not covered by the building contract .and l a b e l them W . I . C. (not In contract).
Indicate the ceiling bulkheads. Call up the hat shelves and coat rods for coat closets,
C a l l up the shelving, if any, in the other closets.

5.6

5.7

5 . 8
5.9

Show the a t c l c hatch or roqf hatch access andlor the ladder t o the roof where .applicable,

5.10 Indicate the floor elevations oa all the floor plang

5.11 Ensure t h a t a l l the handrabls are indicated.

5.12 If the floor p l a n s are broken into t w o or more parts, the following 5.12.1

rules should be follwed: Draw a l l the parts w f t h the same orientation. 5 . 1 2 . 2 Overlap each part t o a point midway between the structural grid lines, Show the over-all dimensions far each part. 5.12.3 Include a small block plan on each sheet. 5.12.4 Ensure t h a t there i s an adequate and even d i s t r i b u t i o n of 5.12.5 cleaners' cloaete an every level of the building. his does not apply to s i n g l e f a m i l y residences. ) Such d e t a i l s are o f t e n forgotten when floor plans are d i y i d e d up into two or more sections. Items such as drinking fountains and fire hose cabinets should also be -checked for distribution,

5.13 Check the fire code requirements with respect t o the number of doors required per room and the direction of swing.

5.14

Show the building section lfnes and wall section lines on the floor plans.

5.15 On the first- (ground-) floor plans, .indicate a l l crtrbs, roadways, walks, platforms, planting areas, w i n d w area w e l l s , etc., adjacent to the exterior walls of tlae building. The first- (ground-) floor plan should show the relation of the i n t e r i o r of t h e building to the exterior,
5.16 Ensure that the view from the corridor into the p u b l i c washrooms is properly b a f f l e d .

5.17 Show the concrete curbs at the transformer vault and o i l - t a n k

etorage roams, i f any.
5.18 Show the concrete sump p i t s and access openiags in the fl~ors.

Indicate the t y p e of cover,

5.19'Show the light-well outline of the skylights above f n t h e floor

plans.

5 . 2 0 Indicate any expansion j o i n t s ,

5 . 2 1
Indicate the tion-slip provisions for ramps and show the ramp s l o p e ,

5.22 Indicate the floor drains and floor s l o p e where appropriate.

5.23 Check the elevator shaft dimensions against the manufacturer's

specifications.
6
6 1

ROOF PLAN

Show the roof drains.

Indicate the roof slope.
For f l a t roofs, indicate the expansion joints and/or construction j o i n t s , etc.

6.2

6 . 3
6.4
6.5

Indicate the curbs dividing the flat roof plane, if any.

Lndlcrtte the full extent of the metal flashing. If more than one type of flashing is used, d i s t i n g u i s h between the types.

6.6

Show a l l chimeys, gas heater stacks, roof vents, e t c .

Show any akyllghts and other structures or equipment protruding through or installed above the roof plane. Indicate the buildfng and wall-section lines.
Tndtcate the type of roofing and insulatfon.

6.7

6.8
6.9

7 .
7.1

ELEVATIONS

All the

exterior walls o f the building should be shown, including the walls of open courts, and a l l v i s i b l e materials called up.

7 . 2
7.3

Indicate the approximate existing grade l i n e on each elevation.

Show the finish grades.

7 . 4

Xndfcate the floor elevations.

etc,,

7-5 Show the foundation walls, footings, p i l e s , pile caps,

indicate their elevations.
7.6

and

Show the door steps and fndicate theLr foundations, f o o t i n g s and handrails where appropriate.

7.7
7-8
7.9

Dimensidn the height and sill locations of a l l window and door openings. C a l l up a l l window and door types on elevations by code let ters/numbers.
Show any metal louvres and refer t o the mechanical drawings.

7.10 Indicate the m e t a l flashing (roof) and masonry coping, if any.

7.11 Show the roof l a d d e r s , and refer to d e t a f l .

7.12 Show any skylights, chimneys and other parts of construction appearing behind the elevation plane. 7.13 Show the exterior l i g h t fixtures, mailboxes, etc., to be i n s t a l l e d ,
7 . 1 4 Indicate the location and size of exterior signs, if any.
8. 8.1

LONGITUDINAL AND CROSS-SECTIONS

These drawings should be reexamined for accuracy a &nfonaatfon a f t e r the roof finish and door schedules have been completed, 'Lt is not advisable t o show the pictorial elevation of the walls beyond the section plane.

8.2

Indicate the approximate existing grade along the line where the section is taken,

8.3
8.4
8.5

Indicate the finish grade elevation and tkte grade finash adjacent to the building (paving, grass, etc.)
I n d i c a t e the elevation of all the floors, the roof s l a b s , the tops of the foundation, the roof ridge and the slope.
Ensure that adequate vertical dimensioning is provided for the f l o o r t o - f l o o r height, a l l openings, the depth of footZrtgs b e l m

grade, e t c .
8.6

Check the insulation of the foundation walls, the slabs at grade, the waf ls, the roof, etc. , for location, insulatiun values, material and fastening.
Indicate the damp-proofing of structures below grade.

8.7
8.8
8.9

Check the indication of subgrade drains.

Show the parts of the structure behind the cutting plane in
elevation.

9.

WALL SECTIONS

9 . 1
9.2

Show a l l the foundation walls, footings, p i l e caps, beam, e t c .

Relate a l l the steel beams, lintels, etc., that occur in the wall s e c t i o n s to datm lines such as the f i n i s h e d floor or general t o p of

steel.
9 . 3
Note a l l the f l o o r t ~ f l o o r heights, the wfndowsill I-elghts above the floor, etc.
Indicate, using structural drawings, which walls are to receive masonry t i e s and which are to receive other types af reinforcing.

9.4
9.5

Indicate weep holes in any walls built to the rain-screen principle and c a l l the appropriate spacing.

9.6
9.7

Clearly show a l l damrproof masonry courses and masonry metal flashing.

Ensure that proper insulation values have been met: far a l l exterior con6 truction.

9.8
9.9

Check the i n d i c a t i o n of subgrade drains and the sloping of the finish grade. Slope the finish grade away from the b u i l d i n g s .
Make sure that the exterior wall insulation and a i r barrier are continuous.

9.10 Recheck all the interlor finish materials shown in the drawings

after the room f i n i s h schedule is completed.

10, STAIR DETAILS
10.1 Show any non-slip treatment f o r treads aqd landings where appropriatc.

10.2 A floar plan a t each level is desirable. (The basement plan is frequently o m i t t e d ; consequently, the foundation walls around the stairs are often mislocated.)

1 0 . 3

It is advisable to draw a section through the stairs to show the headroom in the .stairwell.

10.4 Locate the landfng support beams a d colraans or walls.

10.5 Vertical balusters, if used, should not extend beyond LOO mm 0 . c .

10-6 All large-scale stair plans should be dimensioned in d e t a i l .

11, MISCELLANEOUS METAL DETAILS

11.1 The details of exterior steel ladders or ladders to the elevator pit are of t e n missed.
11.2 The access hatches t o f l a t roofs should be shbwn and d e t a i l e d ,

11.3 S , p e c i a l louvres which are not covered by mechanical drawings or specificattans should be detailed.
11.4 It is advisable to group a l l miscellaneous metal details on separate drawing(s), These should be listed in aequence.

12. WLPlDOtl DETAILS

AND SCHEDULE

12.1 Show and call the type of window, and indicate the direction of slide o r s w f ng.

12.2 Dimension the rough opening r e q u i r e d for all i n d i v i d u a l types.

12.3 Indicate the type of glazing required.

1 2 . 4 In general, the inner pane of washroom windows should be g l a z e d w i t h translucent glass.

12.5 Indicate a l l weather-stripping, thermal breaks, flashing, continuation of a i r barriers and caulking on window section

detalls.
12.6 Show and dimension the l-fntels.

13. ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE

13.1 The washrood! w a l l - t i l e dados should be either 1200 nun or 1500 mm high. Anything in between 1s n o t compatible with the height of the l i g h t swftches.
13.2 Fire-rated and non-fire-rated c e i l i n g s ahould be indicated.

13.3 Wood or plywood interior wall panelling requires a fire-retardant finish.

1 3 . 4 The height of a l l types of baseboards should be noted. 13.5 Concrete f l o o r s in ancillary rooms should be p a i n t e d . 13.6 Concrete f l o o r s and ranps in underground garages must be properly drafned. I n d i c a t e the treatment o f the surface.

14. DOOR AND FRAME SCBEDWS

14.1 Employ as few frame types as possLble. Adapt the walls at the jambs and heads t o s u i t the frames, not viceversa.
14.2 Check the door width of a l l housing units, bathrooms and public entries for wheelchair accese where applicable. 14.3 All exterior doors should be Weather-stripped and have weather

thresholds.

14,4 Glazing in the doors should be e i t h e r clear Georgian wired glass or shatterproof glass.

P A R T

I 1

DRAWING:

LANDSCAPING PLAN

Checked by:

DMWIPIG:

SITE PLAN
Checked by :

DRAWING:

FOUNDATION PLAN

Checked by:

DRAWING:
Drawn by:
ITEM

FLOOR PLAN
Checked by :
Checked

1st T i t l e block Dimensions Structural g r i d ; ~ u i l d i n p section : reference l i n e s : w a l l section reference l i n e s Detail reference "bubbles" S p o t levels or floor elevation I~oors: codiw d i r e c t i o n of swing Windows: coding lintels S tairs : coding direction of travel handrails Ramps: slope Elevator shafts Room names/coding Built-in furnishing (in crmtract/N.I.C.) Atticlroof access

2nd

Final

Skylight(s)
Floor p i t s , drains ~xpansion/ perimeter/ construction j oint: (s ) Bulkheads Check against: structural drawings mechanical drawings electrical drawings door schedule window schedule

finish schedule Block p l a n (for floor plans divided up into several

drawings)

1
1

DRAWING:

ROOF PLAN
Checked by:

Drawn by:
ITEM

Checked
1st

2nd

Final

T i t l e block Dimensions Structural grid Building section reference lines Wall section reference lines Detail reference "bubbles" Spot l e v e l s Roof drainsldrainage Roof s l o p e Flas hiw s Chimney(#), stacks Skylights Structureslequipment i n s t a l l e d above roof level Curbs ~xpansion/construction jCtidt(8) Type of roofing and insulation Check agalnst : structural drawings mechanical drawlnge electrf cal drawings

DRAWING:

BUILDING SECTION Checked by :

DRAWING:

WALL SECTION
Cheizked by:

ITEM

DRAWING:
Drawn by:

ELEVATIONS
Checked by:

DRAWING:
Drawn by:
ITEM

STAIRS AND ELEVATORS

Checked by:
Checked

DRAWING:

WINDOW WTAILS

Checked by:

DMWLNG:

SCHEDULES
Checked by :

D r a w n by:

ITEM

Checked

I
1st
T i t l e block

I
2nd

Final

F i n i s h schedule:

Door schedule:

code rooms check floor plans to ensure that a l l rooms are covered check section drawings for interior finishes check abbreviations coding dimensions

fire rating closers thresholds weather stripping door frames f l o o r plan v e r i f i c a t i o n t o ensure t h a t a l l doors are p r o p e r l y designated
Window schedule :

t
1 1

t
1'

coding dimensions type of window g l a z f ng floor plan and section check to ensure that a l l windows are properly designated